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Golf facilities account for 2.3 million acres in the United States. Numerous turfgrass species are managed on US golf facilities, but golf facilities may change turfgrasses depending on numerous variables. Knowing which turfgrasses are grown and how turfgrass selection has changed would provide important information to scientists, turfgrass managers, and policymakers. The objective of this survey was to measure turfgrass use on US golf facilities in 2021 and to determine whether changes in turfgrass selection have occurred since 2005. A survey was developed and distributed via e-mail to 13,938 US golf facilities, with 1861 responding. From 2005 to 2021, the total projected area of maintained turfgrass on US golf facilities decreased by 14.2%, which was likely a result of course closures and maintenance operations. Nationally, bermudagrass (Cynodon sp.) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) remained the most common warm- and cool-season turfgrasses, respectively. The area of winteroverseeded turfgrass declined by 60% between 2005 and 2021. The percentage of golf facilities that used zoysiagrass (Zoysia sp.) and seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) increased depending on region and specific playing surface, albeit a pragmatically minor increase. In general, turfgrass selection on golf facilities in northern climates did not change, whereas turfgrass selection in southern climates favored a change from cool- to warm-season species, depending on the playing surface. Whether in historically cool-season or warm-season regions, it appears that many golf facilities are exploring alternatives to their traditional turfgrass species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in irrigation technologies have led many states to incentivize homeowners to purchase United States Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense-labeled, smart irrigation controllers. However, previous research of smart controllers has shown that their use may still result in excess water application when compared with controllers manually programmed to replace actual water loss. This study compared kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) irrigation applications using three smart irrigation controllers, a conventional irrigation controller programmed according to Cooperative Extension recommendations, and the average irrigation rate of area homeowners in Utah during 2018 and 2019. Of all the controllers tested, the manually programmed controller applied water at amounts closest to the actual evapotranspiration rates; however, smart controllers applied from 30% to 63% less water than area homeowners, depending on the controller and year of the study. Kentucky bluegrass health and quality indicators--percent green cover and normalized difference vegetation indices--varied between years of the study and were lower than acceptable levels on several occasions in 2019 for three of the four controllers tested. Compared with the results of similar studies, these findings suggest that the effects of smart irrigation controllers on turfgrass health and quality may vary by location and over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers often have multiple choices when purchasing retail lawn products in stores. In this study, we evaluated the acute drought performance of locally available retail lawn seed products (mixtures or blends) at two mowing heights of 2.5 and 3 inches. We hypothesized that the species present in the products and the height-of-cut differentially influence the drought resistance and recovery of the mixtures and blends. In Fall 2016 and 2017, 28 different products consisting of 25 mixtures and 3 blends of turfgrass seeds were established under a fully automated rainout shelter at the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. The drought treatments lasted for 67 days in 2017, and 52 days in 2018; both the 2017 and 2018 treatments were followed by a recovery period. Data were obtained during acute drought treatments and recovery periods for visual turfgrass quality and green turfgrass cover using digital images of the plots. During the first year, several products displayed higher green stability (or the ability to remain green) at the 3-inch height-of-cut compared with the 2.5-inch height-of-cut. Products with tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) and fine fescue (Festuca sp.) as dominant species generally performed better during the drought treatments, whereas an increasing presence of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) decreased the visual drought performance of the products. During the recovery period, an effect of the interaction between mowing height and the date of data collection on the percentage of green cover was observed: the lower mowing height improved the early recovery of green cover after acute drought. These findings suggest that consumers in the upper midwestern United States and areas with a climate similar climate to that of St. Paul, MN, who are challenged with multiple choices of lawn seed products should choose products containing a higher tall fescue content and adjust their mowing heights to optimize recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of semiarid western North America is salt affected, and using turfgrasses in salty areas can be challenging. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is relatively susceptible to salt stress, showing reduced growth, osmotic and ionic stress, and eventual death at moderate or high salt concentrations. Considerable variation exists for salt tolerance among kentucky bluegrass germplasm, but gaining consistency among studies and entries has been a challenge. In this study, two novel kentucky bluegrass accessions recently reported as salt tolerant (PI 371768 and PI 440603) and two cultivars commonly used as references (Baron and Midnight) were compared for their turf quality (TQ), stomatal conductance (gs), leaf water potential (ψLEAF), electrolyte leakage (EL), and accumulation of inorganic ions under salt stress. TQ, ψLEAF, and EL were highly correlated with each other while only moderately correlated with gs. The tolerant accessions showed higher ψ LEAF and lower EL than the cultivars Midnight and Baron at increasing salt concentrations and over 28 days of treatment. The accumulation of sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca) in the leaves was highly correlated and did not vary significantly among the four entries. Genes involved in ion transport across membranes, and in antioxidant activities, were significantly induced on salt stress in the tolerant accessions relative to the susceptible. These data indicate the ability of tolerant accessions to ameliorate oxidative stress and prevent EL, and confirmed the tolerance of germplasm previously reported on while indicating mechanisms by which they tolerate the salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers suggestions for maintenance of golf courses for prevention of turf diseases. Topics discussed include keeping record of past turf diseases, monitoring and inspecting the course for better prevention, threat of species specific infection to turf grasses such as susceptibility of Kentucky bluegrass to Helminthosporium, improving air flow for reduction of infection, and maintaining aeration for better growth of roots.

The article offers information on selection of turfgrasses for an athletic field. The advantages offered by blending and mixing grasses include an increased range of resistance to insect and disease pests. The Kentucky bluegrass cultivars can be classified into at least ten groups based on their agronomic characteristic and genetics.

The article discusses factors to be considered in the selection of appropriate turfgrass for an athletic field, with approximately 45 crown-type grasses having agronomic qualities. Topics discussed include turfgrasses like Kentucky bluegrass and bermudagrass species able to form turf with high-shoot density and medium-to-fine texture, creeping bentgrass ideally suited for golf courses with its ability to tolerate very low heights of cut, and rough bluegrass poorly suited for athletic fields.

Drought stress is one of the most important abiotic stresses limiting plant growth, while high recuperative capacity of plants from drought damages is critical for plant survival in periods of drought stress and rewatering. The objective of our study was to determine physiological and growth factors in association with drought tolerance and recuperative capacity of cool-season kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis cv. Excursion II) and warm-season zoysigrass (Zoysia matrella cv. Diomand), which were grown in controlled environment chambers and maintained well watered (control) or subjected to drought stress and subsequently rewatering. Compared with kentucky bluegrass, zoysiagrass maintained higher leaf hydration level during drought stress, as shown by greater relative water content (RWC), improved osmotic adjustment (OA), increased leaf thickness, and more extensive root system at deeper soil layers. Turf quality (TQ) and photosynthesis recovered to a greater level and sooner in response to rewatering for zoysiagrass, compared with kentucky bluegrass, which could be due to more rapid reopening of stomata [higher stomatal conductance (gS)] and leaf rehydration (higher RWC). The aforementioned physiological factors associated with leaf dehydration tolerance during drought and rapid resumption in turf growth and photosynthesis in zoysiagrass could be useful traits for improving drought tolerance in turfgrasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deicing salts often are applied to sidewalks and roadways to enhance pedestrian and driving safety during freezing weather. For example, in eastern North Dakota, average annual snow days and amount are 29 days and 40 inches, respectively. This study was conducted in Fargo, ND, to investigate the population dynamics of turfgrass mixtures composed of kentucky bluegrass [KB (Poa pratensis)], creeping red fescue [RF (Festuca rubra)], and alkaligrass [ALK (Puccinellia sp.)] with the goal of optimizing turf quality by selecting seed ratios containing these species in home lawn mixtures and subject to frequent applications of deicing salts. A total of 21 mixtures were generated based on simplex-lattice design with KB, ALK, and RF contributing to 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of their respective full-seeding rate of 150, 150, and 300 lb/acre, respectively, after pure live seed (PLS) adjustment. The mixtures were tested at annual deicing salt rates of 0, 160, 320 lb/acre, which represent typical application. The results showed that the botanical component of the stands of grasses shifted over a 2-year period for all salt levels. Despite the good salinity tolerance of ALK reported elsewhere, it did not contribute to the improvement of turf quality in mixtures receiving deicing salts at 320 lb/acre per year. Therefore, ALK is not recommended for lawn, but mixing KB and RF in 48% and 52% of their respective full-seeding rates was recommended for areas adjacent to deicing salt applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought and heat stress can limit the growth of cool-season grass species, w hereas doubling ambient CO2 has been shown to promote plant growth. The objectives of this study were to examine differential responses of shoot and root growth as well as photosynthesis and respiration to doubling ambient CO2 during drought or heat stress alone or the two stresses combined and to determine the relative effectiveness of doubling ambient CO2 in mitigating negative effects of drought or heat stress alone and in combination in a cool-season perennial grass species. Kentucky bluegrass (Poapratensis cv. Baron) plants were exposed to ambient CO2 (400 µL·L-1) or doubling ambient CO2 (800 mgr;L·L-1) concentrations while subjected to the following stress treatments in growth chambers: drought stress by withholding irrigation, heat stress (35 °C), or the combined two stresses for 28 days. Doubling ambient CO2 increased root and shoot growth as well as root/shoot ratio under all treatments. Doubling ambient CO2 enhanced leaf net photosvnthetic rate (Pn) to a greater extent under drought or heat alone, whereas it reduced respiration rate (R), to a larger degree under heat and the combined stress, leading to a greater ratio of Pn/R. Doubling ambient CO2 mitigated adverse physiological effects of drought or heat stress alone, w hereas fewer effects were observed under the combined drought and heat stress. The positive effects of doubling ambient CO2 were associated with the development of roots biomass and the maintenance of a positive carbon balance under either stress alone or the combined drought and heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Grasslands of the Northern Great Plains of North America are in the midst of extensive human-driven loss and redistribution of important species. Invasive plants contribute to degradation of this ecosystem and present monumental challenges for natural resource managers. Widespread decreases in populations of grassland-dependent wildlife, particularly birds, have been documented, but relatively little research has been focused on direct responses of wildlife to invading plants relative to native vegetation. Smooth brome ( Bromus inermis) and Kentucky bluegrass ( Poa pratensis) are 2 invasive cool-season grass species found across much of the Northern Great Plains that continue to expand despite management actions intended to reduce them. With eradication unlikely, creativity, cooperation, and science-based management (e.g., Adaptive Management) are paramount to protect and restore the integrity of grassland habitats across the Northern Great Plains. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the research presented by Utah State University undergraduates before Utah's Capitol Hill during the 2013 legislative session. Carly Ann Jugler and Helga Van Miegroet presented "Differences in Microbial Abundance and Composition between Aspen and Conifer Soils," which is focused on the role played by microbes in a soil's capacity for carbon storage. Kathleen Margit Combs, Paul Johnson and Shaun Bushman discussed genetic diversity in Kentucky bluegrass.

Abscisic acid (ABA) and glycine betaine (GB) may regulate plant responses to drought or salinity stress. The objectives of this controlled-environment study were to determine whether foliar application of ABA or GB improves turf quality under drought or salinity and whether improved stress responses were associated changes in antioxidant metabolism in two C3 turfgrass species, creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) and kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). Physiological parameters evaluated included turf quality, leaf relative water content, membrane electrolyte leakage (EL), membrane lipid peroxidation [expressed as malondialdehyde (MDA) contenti, and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Abscisic acid and GB were both effective in mitigating physiological damage resulting from drought or salinity for both grass species, but effects were more pronounced on kentucky bluegrass. The most notable effects of ABA or GB application were the suppression of EL and MDA accumulation and an increase in APX, POD, and SOD activities after prolonged periods of drought (21 days) or salinity stress (35 days). These results suggest foliar application of ABA or GB may alleviate physiological damage by drought or salinity stress in turfgrass and the maintenance of membrane stability and active antioxidant metabolism could contribute to the positive effects in the stress mitigation effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cool-season turfgrasses may experience heat stress during summer. Hybrid bluegrasses (HBGs), crosses between kentucky bluegrass [KBG (Poa pratensis L.)] and native texas bluegrass (Poa arachnifera Torr.), have improved heat tolerance but the mechanisms of heat tolerance are poorly understood. Our objectives were to quantitatively profile membrane lipid molecular species in three cool-season turfgrasses exposed to optimal (22/15 °C, 14/10 h light/dark) and supra-optimal temperatures (35/25 °C and 40/30 °C, 14/10 h light/dark). Grasses included a low heat-tolerant tall fescue [TF (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. 'Dynasty')], a mid-heat-tolerant KBG ('Apollo'), and a heat-tolerant HBG ('Thermal Blue'). At high temperature, glycolipid digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) in HBG was 12% and 16% greater than in KBG and TF, respectively, and the ratio DGDG to monogalactosyldiacylglycerol was 19% and 44% greater in HBG than in KBG and TF, respectively. Greater heat tolerance in HBG and KBG was associated with higher contents of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol, and with reduced overall unsaturation compared with TF. Overall, 20 lipid molecular species were present in greater amounts and another 20 species in lesser amounts in HBG and KBG than in TF. Results suggest 40 membrane lipid molecules are potential biomarkers for heat tolerance and that compositional changes in membrane lipids in response to heat contribute to differences in heat tolerance among cool-season grasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY. Previous research has shown that maple (Acer spp.) leaf litter resulted in fewer common dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) when mulched into established turfgrass. However, the leaves used in that research may have contained herbicide residues and were separated by genus, not species. Our research compared the effects of pesticide-free mulched maple and oak (Quercus spp.) leaves on dandelion populations in an established kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) stand maintained as a residential lawn on sandy loam soil. The objectives of this study were to quantify the effectiveness of maple or oak leaf mulches as an organic common dandelion control method and to identify which maple species and rates (particle size and rate per unit area) provided the most effective control. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with treatments arranged as a 5 x 2 x 2 + 1 factorial, with tree leaf species, leaf particle size, leaf application rate, and control as main factors. Leaf species were red maple (Acer rubrum), silver maple (A. saccharinum), sugar maple (A. saccharum), high sugar content sugar maple, and red oak (Quercus rubra). Particle sizes were coarse (0.4-1.0 inch²) and fine (<0.2 inch²), and application rates were low (0.5 kg.m-2) and high (1.5 kg.m-2). Mulch applications were made in Fall 2003 and 2004 and data were collected beginning in Spring 2004 on kentucky bluegrass spring green-up, and common dandelion plant counts. The high application rate, regardless of tree genus or species, resulted in the highest green-up ratings. Common dandelion plant counts after one (2003) and two (2003 and 2004) mulch applications at the high rate showed that up to 80% and 53% reduction was achieved, respectively. Results indicate that mulching leaves regardless of genus (oak or maple) or maple species into established turfgrass as a leaf litter disposal method will increase spring green-up and contribute to a reduction in common dandelion population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant growth regulators abscisic acid (ABA) and trinexapac-ethyl (TE) may affect turfgrass responses to drought stress through regulating shoot growth and water relations. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of foliar application of TE and ABA on turf growth of two cool-season turfgrass species, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) exposed to drought stress, and to examine water relations associated with changes in drought tolerance due to TE or ABA treatment. 'L-93' creeping bentgrass and 'Brilliant' Kentucky bluegrass plants were foliar sprayed with 0.904 mL·ha-1 a.i. TE five times before exposure to drought or with 6.75 mL/week of ABA at 100 μm before and after exposure to drought in growth chambers. Drought stress was imposed by withholding irrigation until plants were permanently wilted. Foliar application of TE or ABA maintained higher soil volumetric water content, leaf relative water content, and turf quality for a longer period of time during 28 days of stress exposure for Kentucky bluegrass and creeping bentgrass compared with the untreated control. Leaves of TE-treated and ABA-treated plants in both species also had lower ψS at 28 days of drought stress than the untreated control. Creeping bentgrass treated with TE or ABA and Kentucky bluegrass treated with TE exhibited significantly lower shoot vertical growth rates at the initiation of drought stress, but maintained higher growth rates during prolonged drought compared with the untreated control. Turf treated with TE or ABA also showed higher levels of photochemical efficiency than the untreated control for both species. Our results suggest that TE or ABA application could prolong the survival of turfgrass under conditions of drought stress by suppressing shoot vertical growth and lowering water use during the early phase of drought and by sustaining growth and photosynthetic activity during prolonged periods of drought stress through osmotic adjustment for retaining cellular hydration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic stress causes turfgrass injury and soil compaction but the underlying physiological mechanisms are not well documented. The objectives of this study were to investigate the physiological responses of kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), and japanese zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica) to three levels of traffic stress during the growing season under simulated soccer traffic conditions. Relative leaf water content (LWC), shoot density, leaf chlorophyll concentration (LCC), membrane permeability, and leaf antioxidant peroxidase (POD) activity were measured once per month. The traffic stress treatments caused a reduction in LWC, shoot density, LCC, and POD activity, and an increase in cell membrane permeability in all three species. Japanese zoysiagrass had less electrolyte leakage, and higher POD activity and shoot density than both kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. The results suggest that turfgrass tolerance to traffic stress may be related to leaf antioxidant activity. Turfgrass species or cultivars with higher leaf antioxidant activity may be more tolerant to traffic stress than those with lower antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on Kentucky bluegrass in the U.S. Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season, perennial ground cover that forms a high-quality, dense turf ranging in color from bright green to bluegreen. It is widely used for lawns, pastures, turf, and athletic fields. Moreover, it is often used in low to medium traffic areas and sometimes included with other grass species to produce a multi-purpose lawn.

The article provides information on several varieties of turfgrasses. Turfgrasses discussed include the cool season grass species, such as the Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, perennial ryegrass and turf type tall fescue and the warm season grass species, such as the bermuda grass and Saint Augustine. The article describes the turfgrasses' geographic location, their required amount of sun and shade, their needed amount of traffic or play, watering practices and general level of maintenance.

Provides information on Kentucky bluegrass, the most used cool-season turfgrass in the U.S. Studies conducted to evaluate the wear-tolerance characteristics of the bluegrass; Characteristics of cool-season plants with superior wear tolerance; Difference of the wear tolerance of warm-season grasses from cool-season species; Importance of wear tolerance in breeding genotypes.

Ultraviolet-B [UV-B (280-320 nm)] radiation is one of the major factors causing quality decline of transplanted sod. Pigments and antioxidants are associated with plant stress resistance, but their roles in turfgrass tolerance to UV-B damage are not well understood. The objectives of this study were to determine if kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L) cultivars with darker green genetic leaf color possessed greater pigment and antioxidant defense capacities and if such characteristics were associated with greater resistance to UV-B. Two cultivars, 'Moonlight' (dark green) and 'Limerick' (light green), were selected and subjected to continuous, artificial UV-B radiation (70 µmol·m-2·s-1). UV-B irradiation reduced turf quality by 58% ('Moonlight') and 77% ('Limerick') relative to day 1 when measured 10 days after initiation of UV-B exposure. Higher canopy photochemical efficiency (PEc) was found in 'Moonlight' relative to 'Limerick' under UV-B stress and during recovery. 'Moonlight' contained greater levels of chlorophyll (1.5 to 1.6-fold), carotenoids (1.3-fold), superoxide dismutase [SOD (1.0-fold)] and catalase [CAT (1.5-fold)] than 'Limerick' when measured at 10 days after UV-B initiation. Turfgrass quality and PEc were positively correlated with pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), and negatively correlated with lipid peroxidation. The results suggest that selecting dark-green cultivars with greater pigment content and antioxidant activity may be an effective approach for turfgrass breeders and sod producers to improve tolerance of newly transplanted sod to environments with higher UV-B radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an overview of the rating of various varieties of Kentucky bluegrass in the U.S. A background on bluegrass is cited. Kentucky bluegrass is regarded as the most popular of the bluegrasses. The top-performing cultivars of a category in the evaluation include Blue Velvet and Midnight II.

Using composted biosolid waste as a soil amendment for turfgrass is becoming a common method for disposing of municipal waste. This study was conducted to evaluate turfgrass seed and sod establishment on subsoil amended with various rates of biosolid compost. To a soil that had its A-horizon removed, biosolid compost derived from sewage sludge was incorporated at rates of 0, 132, 270, and 402 yard³/acre. A fifth treatment included a single application of fertilizer at time of sowing. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) was seeded immediately after treatment application. The treatments were repeated on an adjacent area using kentucky bluegrass sod. For 1.5 years, turfgrass percent cover, color, density, and weeds were evaluated. Overall, the compost performed well as a soil amendment for turfgrass. A 2- to 3-inch depth of compost appeared to be the best incorporation rate for the soil and compost used in this study. High salinity and excessive ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) levels in the compost-amended soil at the time of establishment caused a 2- to 3-week delay in seed and sod establishment. After the 2 to 3 weeks, the compost-amended plots outperformed the one-time fertilized plots in turfgrass color and density. Turf managers may want to account for the delay in establishment when incorporating a 60-day-cured compost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vermicomposting is the process of fragmenting organic wastes with certain species of earthworms. A variety of vermicomposts are being marketed as fertilizer materials for turfgrass management, particularly in the golf course industry. In 2002 and 2003, field trials were conducted on established kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) in Columbus, Ohio, to evaluate the use of vermicomposted animal, food, paper, and turfgrass clipping waste materials as a turfgrass fertilizer under home lawn maintenance conditions. Visual quality of the plots was significantly higher for 2 weeks after application of paper vermicompost, regardless of application rate. Few other differences in either turfgrass visual quality of clipping yields were observed during a 6-week period after application, regardless of application rate or source of vermicompost. Based on the results of these studies, the use of vermicompost as a fertilizer material on established turfgrass is not warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the secondary effects of applying the plant growth regulator Primo Maxx on turfgrass growth and development. Result of a radioactive tracing study on the foliage absorption of Primo Maxx application; Benefits of Primo application to the nonstructural carbohydrate content of creeping bentgrass; Findings of a laboratory test on the effect of Primo application to creeping bentgrass, Midnight Kentucky bluegrass and Tifway hybrid bermudagrass.

Discusses how to suppress seedheads on annual bluegrass putting greens in golf courses. Botanical information on the annual bluegrass; Cultivation of the annual bluegrass; Elimination of seedheads.

Discusses turfgrass choices for an athletic field. Factors in a successful establishment of sports turf; Features of Kentucky bluegrass; Characteristics of perennial ryegrasses for sports turf; Description of a tall fescue.

Provides tips on the care of lawns with hybrids and improved varietal selections. Popularity of Kentucky bluegrass for lawns in cold places; Use of Bermuda grass in warn places; Transitional-zone grasses.

Reports on Blue-Grass region of Kentucky popular for thoroughbred horses. Botanical history regarding the color of the grass; Use of limestone water of bluegrass in making bourbon whiskey; Myth surrounding the role model of Kentuckians, Daniel Boone.

Discusses familiar grasses of the grass family and their flowers. Information on the germination of seeds with bards; Importance of nodes in the grass; Details on the Barnyard grass, Kentucky bluegrass, Rye-grass and Orchard grass.

The article presents a study on the evaluation of low-maintenance turfgrass mixtures or species blends, with information on turf quality and turfgrass adaptability in low-fertility soils with minimal sowing. Topics include a study of the growth of grass plots planted in 2009 at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, weed encroachment in native grass mixtures, and the quality evaluations under minimal mowing for the Tall Fescue Blend and the Kentucky Bluegrass Mixture.

Seed coating has been effectively used in the agricultural and horticultural industries for over 100 years. Recently, several turfgrass seed companies have been applying seed coating technologies to commercial seed lines, but there have been limited studies that have demonstrated a positive benefit of seed coating to turfgrass seed. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of two commercially available seed coating technologies, including a fungicide/biostimulant coating and a starch-based polymer coating, on tall rescue (Festuca arundinaceae) and kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) in three soil types. Coated seeds were obtained from a retail outlet. Non-coated seed samples were developed by removing the coating from the seed just before planting. Neither coating technology had an effect on tall rescue speed of germination or total germination percentage in any of the soil types. Seed coating did have a positive effect on the speed of germination of kentucky bluegrass in a sandy loam soil, but did not improve the speed of germination or percentage emergence in the other soil types. These results support earlier findings that seed coating has minimal effects on establishment of turfgrass species. However, these coatings may provide benefits when attempting to establish turfgrasses in less than ideal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the findings from a study that explored iron (Fe) deficiency stress in Kentucky bluegrass. The study was aimed at investigating the susceptibility of this grass species to incur Fe-deficiency chlorosis based on its cultivars to produce adequate phytosiderophore. The implication of the sensitivity of Kentucky bluegrass to this disease for golf course managers is also noted.

The article provides information on Kentucky bluegrass. It is described as a high-quality, dense turf that appears in color from bright green to bluegreen. This type of grass can be used in low to medium traffic areas and sometimes included with other grass species for a multi-purpose lawn. It is usually found in lawns, pastures, turf, and athletic fields. However, this bluegrass has a high need for water. A list of varieties of Kentucky bluegrasses and their Least Statistical Difference (LSD) scores is presented. They are classified by maintenance schedule and by representative location.

The article presents the top-performing cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass. It states that Kentucky bluegrass is a perennial ground cover that forms a dense turf and is often used in low to medium traffic areas. The evaluation of Kentucky bluegrass are categorized into three to reflect different maintenance schedules. The cultivars evaluated include Alexa II, Zinfandel, and Nuglade.

The article features various ground cover plants. Some of the plants cited are Kentucky blue grass, Antennaria plantaginifolia or plantain-leaved pusy toes, Antennaria neglecta or common pussy toes and Antennaria dioica or pink pussy toes. Physical features, growth requirements and common ornamental applications of the plants are cited.

The article presents questions and answers about horticulture. A reader asks whether the evergreen azaleas he have need fertilizers because the plant's leaves are turning yellow and are falling off. Another asks about ways to control the pasture-type of tall fescue that grew in his Kentucky bluegrass lawn. One person inquires about the best way to transplant palm trees.

In this article the author focuses on equine delights at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. She wouldn't have minded being buried there, under a grove of trees near a big pasture with white board fences. This place, in her eyes, is flawlessly idyllic, like a perfectly cadenced poem spoken through the line of the landscape, each pause punctuated with slashes of Kentucky bluegrass. Occasionally, she is lucky enough to elbow her way into an assignment that has a horse angle, which is why, right now, she is blindfolded and hauling a cart around an obstacle course inside one of the Park's arenas.

Two letters to the editor are presented in response to the article "Love That Lawn" in the April 15, 1964 issue.

The article focuses on Kentucky bluegrass which struggles to regenerate in a bad weather and in hot or dry places. Topics discussed include the demarcation of bluegrass to the south of Tennessee, the creation of the hybrid Reveille bluegrass by geneticist James Read, and the lawn products such as the One Step Complete fertilizer from Pennington and insecticides from Arbico Organic.

The article reports on the audience wave common at sporting events occurring from one end of the stadium section to the other adjacent section done by the fans like wise wave also occurs globally in turf disease leaf spot or melting out, starting from south Florida in January, leaf spot of Bermuda grass commonly occurs on greens. As winter progress, the pathogen causing infection heads towards north and after that spring arrives and then summer progresses completing the wave pattern.

The article focuses on the development of prairie lawn in areas such as Saskatoon and Regina in Saskatchewan, where there is lack of enough rain. It considers grass alternatives that thrive without pesticides or fertilizer and requires little mowing such as blue grama, mat muhly and June grass. Nora Stewart, president of the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan (NPSS) recommended to plant a mixture of low growing grasses to lessen mowing activities.

The article focuses on management of gardening activities for autumn season associated with the Southern States. Topics discussed include plantation of different spring bulbs plants such as larkspurs, illustration of information regarding perennial plant Fanny of Aster genus, fertilization of different grasses in fall season such as Kentucky bluegrass, utilization of different insecticides such as Ortho Home Defense MAX and prevention of tender plants growth in indoor pots.

An interview with Adam Thoms, research leader of University of Tennessee Center for Athletic Field Safety, is presented. He talks about management of athletic fields to optimize performance under the direction of field manager Mike Andresen. He discusses research topics at Center for Athletic Safety which include hybrid turf systems management; bermudagrass management and synthetic turf with organic infills. He mentions that Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue plant are grown at the center.

The article focuses on different turfgrasses including Kentucky bluegrass, Paspalum, and Crabgrass.

The article identifies different varieties of turfgrass and their specific qualities and drought-tolerance capabilities. Wayne Thorson of Todd Valley Farms Inc. recommends the use of buffalograss in landscape gardens because of its extreme tolerance to drought and demand for low maintenance. The perennial ryegrass is known for its ability to germinate in seven to 10 days or less and capability to adopt to many kinds of soil. Other kinds include bermudagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass and zoysiagrass.

The article discusses the effectiveness of plant growth regulators (PGR) which have been applied to turfgrasses to reduce vertical shoot growth. There are references to research on PGR, shoot morphology, and plant root growth, as well as comments about the limitations of these studies. The authors' research focuses on the impact of a single application of Primo on root and shoot growth in Kentucky bluegrass. The study methods include a water culture or hydroponic system to measure growth over time.